Page 38 of Lyrical

“Yesterday for my interview, when Dad’s car wouldn’t start. I went with you to the school having no idea Cassie taught there too.”

“But….” I glanced at Perry, and she gave me a look that dripped pure sympathy. She was also probably worried about the night turning into a murder-suicide. First Mike, then me. “But when I left to go inside, you were in the car about to leave. I didn’t even see you, Cassie.”

Daniel looked at her and nodded as if to tell her it was okay to burst out of her seams. “Okay,” she said, bouncing around in her chair. “I was there in the parking lot, but I guess you didn’t notice me. I had no classes, but I decided to stop in and take care of a few things. Thankfully I did. It was like it was meant to be.” More eye fluttering. “So, imagine my surprise when I noticed you talking to a cute guy I recognized from all those years ago. Daniel Hudson.”

Perry shook her clenched fists. “Yay!”

“Of course I had to stop over and say hello. And then I found out you were his mom. How crazy is that?”

Pretty goddamned fucking crazy.

I saw Chase nearing the doorway and I rushed over, blocking out the rest of her ‘reunited’ crap. If I were able to kick my own ass, I would’ve been so black and blue right then.

“Jillian, what’s wrong?”

I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. “I’m not sure I can do this, Chase.” At one time, I would’ve been peeing in my pants with excitement to hear about Cassie setting her sights on a different man. Now… Fuck. Me.

He kissed the top of my head. “What took you so long up there?” I asked.

“I was talking to your mom.” I felt guilty. I needed to pay some attention to all the people I was supposed to be hosting.

“What’s Stephen doing?”

“He’s helping out upstairs. The sandwiches were delivered.” I looked up at him, feeling worse. He smiled. “It’s all good, Jillian. Besides, I think he prefers to stay up there.”

Yeah, my brother was definitely a drama-avoider. How he and Perry were the perfect couple was one of those unexplained mysteries. I shifted my gaze and noticed what he held in his hand.

“I know the bottle of water is for Daniel, but who’s the Spotted Cow for?”

“Jillian….”

“Chase, really? On top of everything else, now she’s going to getmybeer?”

He laughed. “Jillian, it’s just a beer.”

“No, it’s a straw. The final one. Haven’t you ever heard the story about the camel?”

He just shook his head. I was probably being a touch on the dramatic side, but come on.

Then I thought of Daniel. And Perry alone with the both of them.

Shit.

“Okay, fine. One beer.”

We went back over to them, trying to get a feel for what happened in my short absence. Chase set the bottles down in front of them.

“Thanks.”

“Thank you, Chase.”

“No problem.”

I leaned back against the wall, tapping my fingers on my thighs as Perry studied me.Now what?

I watched Cassie take a sip and cringe. “What’s the matter?” Daniel asked.

“Oh, nothing.”

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